The Cherokee Sheriff’s Office is requesting assistance in identifying a van allegedly used last Friday in two burglary attempts.

Lt. Jay Baker, spokesman for the Cherokee Sheriff’s Office, said a white Ford Econoline van backed up to the Chevron on Bells Ferry Road at Towne Lake Parkway at about 4:30 a.m.

“What appears to be a white male exited the vehicle and broke the glass window next to the ATM machine, which was inside the store,” Baker said.

Baker said the suspect attached a strap to the machine and attempted to haul it away, but the strap broke and the van left the location without its occupants taking anything from the property.

The suspect apparently drove directly from the Chevron to Sweetwater Store on Knox Bridge Highway, he said.

At 5 a.m., the suspect broke the front window of the store but he fled after an alarm sounded, Baker said.

Baker described the van as an early ’90s model with a tire on the rear roof and “KC” lights mounted on the rear. The van has damage to the right rear quarter panel near the tail light.

Officials described the suspect on the Sheriff’s Office Facebook page as a white male wearing camouflage pants and jacket. They added the man appears to be using an ax to break convenience store windows with visible ATM machines inside.

“Only one suspect was captured on security cameras but there is a possibility that one or more suspects were also inside the van,” Baker said.

Anyone with any information is urged to contact Detective W.R. Ballard at (770) 928-0239 or wrballa rd@cherokeega.com.

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